Parkersburg Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction is an essential part of the West Virginia economy. There are numerous construction sites in Parkersburg and communities throughout the Mountain State, building new projects or updating/expanding existing ones. The construction industry provides tens of thousands of jobs to workers in the state, and it helps fuel several ancillary industries as well.

While the construction industry provides an enormous amount of financial benefit to our state, there are many safety concerns for workers in this industry as well. Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and this is why there are a number of federal and state laws and regulations in place to help ensure that workers do not get hurt. Unfortunately, the laws and proper safety protocols are not always followed, and this can result in construction site accidents and injuries.

At the office of The Masters Law Firm, we have many decades of experience representing clients who have been injured in construction site accidents in Parkersburg and all over West Virginia. Our firm is focused exclusively on personal injury and related areas of the law, and we have an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved with these types of cases. Over the years, our attorneys have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.

Construction accident cases tend to be far more complicated than a standard personal injury claim. There are a lot of moving parts that go into completing a construction project, and there are countless potential factors that could contribute to an injury on the job site.

We help injured construction workers with workers’ compensation claims, but we also look closely at outside parties (other than the employer) who may have also been responsible for the accident. When this is the case, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim for damages over and above what is available through workers’ comp.

Common Causes of Parkersburg, WV Construction Site Accidents

Construction is among the world’s most dangerous occupations. Workers in this industry confront numerous potential hazards on the job site each day, such as working in high elevations and working with heavy tools and equipment in a fast-paced environment. This is why it is very important for construction job sites to be managed properly and for supervisors to adhere to safety standards.

According to OSHA, more than one out of every five workplace deaths that happen in private industry are construction-related. And nearly 60% of all construction accident fatalities are caused by one of what OSHA calls the “fatal four”:

• Falls: Falling is the leading cause of construction deaths, making up about one third of all industry-related fatalities. With so many workers performing tasks in elevated locations, there is a heightened risk of serious falls, especially if they are working on a slippery or unstable surface.
• Struck By/Struck Against Events: Those who are working with heavy materials, tools, and equipment run the risk of getting struck by a hard object or surface or striking someone else. This type of event is the second leading cause of construction deaths.
• Electrocutions: Electrical injuries are the third leading cause of construction-related fatalities. On a typical construction jobsite, there is electrical wiring that must be done before the finishing work is performed. This means a lot of loose wiring that, if left unsecured could cause someone to get electrocuted.
• Caught In Between/Crush Injuries: The fourth leading cause of construction deaths is getting caught in-between or crushed by equipment or objects. This often happens when workers are performing tasks in compact and/or enclosed areas in which they get trapped by a large object or piece of machinery.

In addition to the fatal four, there are several other potential causes of construction site accidents, including:

• Overexertion (especially on hot and humid days while working long hours)
• Fires and explosions
• Machinery and equipment accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Exposure to toxic substances

Pursuing a West Virginia Construction Accident Claim

When someone gets injured in a Parkersburg, WV construction site accident, the first avenue for reimbursement is usually their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp benefits are supposed to be paid regardless of who is at fault for the accident, but the claims process is complicated and confusing, and employers often put up unnecessary roadblocks that are designed to frustrate workers into giving up and recovering the benefits they deserve. Our lawyers can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you will be able to get benefits if you qualify.

Although workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, benefits are limited to compensation for necessary medical expenses, a percentage of lost wages, permanent disability, and some miscellaneous reimbursements. Unfortunately, a claimant cannot recover compensation for intangible losses such as physical and emotional pain-and-suffering, and employees are generally barred from filing a personal injury lawsuit against an employer that has workers’ comp coverage.

If there is any good news at all for injured construction workers, it is that in many of these cases, an outside party other than the employer could be at fault for the injury. For example, if a worker is struck by a hard object, it might turn out that the injury was caused by a subcontractor who was working nearby the employee that day. Or if a worker gets injured in a machinery accident, this could be the result of a defective or dangerous piece of machinery. After a thorough investigation, our lawyers will examine all the important facts and pieces of evidence to determine the root cause of the accident and who was ultimately responsible.

Contact our Seasoned Parkersburg, WV Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction site accidents can result in some of the most severe and catastrophic injuries, and these cases often involve multiple parties that could be at fault. At The Masters Law Firm, we understand that construction injuries can take an enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families, and we are here to provide strong legal guidance and moral support to help get you through this difficult time.

We work closely with our clients, putting our extensive experience to work and exploring every potential legal avenue toward recovering maximum compensation. We deal directly with the other side and we handle all of the complicated legal tasks, so you can focus on getting recovered from your injuries. Throughout the process, we provide frequent updates on the progress of your case, so you are always kept informed.

If you or someone close to you got injured in a construction accident in Parkersburg, WV or a surrounding area, message us online or call our office today at 304-342-3106 or toll free at 1-800-342-3106 for a free consultation case assessment.

We accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorney fees if we win your case